OH Juli

Hey kids, So I'm getting some big swelling seromas which my doctor drains weekly. Yesterday he took out about 16 ounces which was a huge relief. So while I"m feeling the pain let me say, this does hurt. It hurts a lot. It's not a walk in the park....and I'm healing beautifully and doing really well and I've got a decent pain tolerance. But for those of you considering the surgery it's a knock you down kind of thing. Mind you I've got about 8 feet of incisions on my body; I did the maxium amount of plastic surgery an ethical doctor would perform. So reality is that before I'm thinking I'm all hot and skinny and my memory fades about the pain, this is rough, rough, rough. You've been warned. I was too, but I didn't really hear it or listen...

18K is about the average. My insurance covered the panni but not my doctor and since that was only 3K of the package I decided to pay it all out of pocket. Having a doctor I trusted is worth paying the price. I heart my doctor, BTW.

Two words Cliff Block Clif Shot Bloks 18/Box - Margarita: Smartbody Nutrition

I'm jealous that you are standing upright. I'm still hunched! BTW, the pic of you and your boy is so cute. What happened to your tummy tattoo?

rdim- I'm going to break your heart by saying no. My thighs are still flabby, because of the skin, but underneath the skin there are strong muscles and I'm very fit. Cycling is great, great, great for getting healthy. And you should consider it as a way to add something new to your exercise routine 1. because you're going to get bored if you don't add new stuff and 2. cycling is fun! I hope you get out on your bike. Don't worry about how long it's been, that phrase, "It's like riding a bike" comes from the truth. You never forget! Keep us posted on what you decide. HP- Good to see you posting again. Are you going to track your miles ridden this year like you did last? I bet you'll be up to 1000 in no time. J

Jeni, You'll figure it out. Tomorrow is two weeks after my plastic surgery. I can't imagine having to go to work feeling like I do. Well I can imagine it. I'd be able to get my work done, but I'd be wiped out at the end of the day. I'm happy I have 4 more weeks off to recover. I am driving a bit now and only keeping the pain medication for bed time, which makes me feel more regular. Which is nice. Also, I was fearful about not having my band adjusted (unfilled) before surgery, but it was a good choice. I have my same restriction and I'm eating small amounts. Makes me happy... Enough about plastic surgery. How is everyone doing getting to your goals? Is the spring weather getting people outside and exercising more? Are there summer goals?

Kathy, That's fantastic news!!!! You are amazing and doing so well. Congratulations!

Hi HP! I'm sure once you get back to riding regularly and eating like a bandster the weight will start falling off. Glad to see you back here and thanks for the all the warm wishes on facebook. I hope to get riding in a couple of weeks myself.

Jeni, That's so amazing! Rock on size 6!!!! I'll be happy to see a 10! I'm so glad for you.

Lellow, I posted this on my thread and I know we're reading each other's every word, but I'll post here too. My surgeon took out my drains yesterday and told me to expect to seep until after the drain holes scab. Then he said I'll get a sernoma which he will drain off next week. "It happens all the time you might as well be comfortable with out the drains." is what he said. So yesterday I drained all over the place. I put a menstrual pad in my panties up by my belly to collect the Fluid, but now the holes are sealed and so has the seeping. Ick. I'm not looking forward to collecting fluid under my skin, but I suppose it's par for the course. I did find my port yesterday. He had to reposition it, and my stomach had been so hard from the swelling I couldn't feel a thing. It's generally in the same place where it was...funny.

I got my drains out today which if you ask me is a bit premature. But my surgeon said I'd feel better and he'd just drain me in a week anyway, so might as well... Aside from that all my sutures are looking good. They are just pulling apart a bit in my left underarm, again he wasn't surprised and says its common. I saw 163 on the scale today or 162. I'm not minus 18 from the surgery day so I know much of this is Water retention and swelling from surgery. I'm continually surprised to look down and not see my belly...it's something else. Tracymom that's great news!!!

Do as your husband suggests and stay on rest until you are required to be back at work. Find something fun to do if you have the energy, like shopping.

I write. Let me know what your publisher would want to see.

Like Sassy One I didn't get a fill until well after 6 months of being banded. Losing weight can be done with just the band alone, however I expect you are more concerned with what you will do until you get refilled. Just hang in there and watch what you eat. You'll be fine.

I had a reduction when I weighed 250 pounds. I went from an H and I (they were differently sized) to a D. My nipples still had sensation but the outward parts, near my underarms were always numb. I did it for the ability to better exercise. It was a good choice, but painful. Plastic surgery hurts. Really.

Lellow, You look so great! Thanks for sharing your pictures! When does the last drain come out? When do you go back to work?

Okay, Let's talk details the best I can. He cut off 18 pounds of skin. 15 from my belly. The rest was from my arms and side boobies. He mentioned to my SO that my abs were muscular. Go me! Workout girl that I am. I wonder if I'll get a 6 pack? That's a super goal! I was wearing a 38D bra and know they are so much smaller now but I don't know what size they are going to be. The girls are looking perky though! :thumbdown: My booty is tiny, my hips are narrow. And my arms are going to look uber buff when the bruising and stiches heal. Again, because I'm a gym rat and my muscles are tight; I'm so pleased. Which brings me back to the whole thing about working out. It's been my saving grace this entire weightloss process. The relationships I've developed with gym people are amazing, the comfort I get from sweating, the ability to eat chocolate and not gain weight, seeing my body do things it's never done before, and NOW having surgery and being better able to move around I'm so glad. Oh and I had my first poop today. So it's all good. I see my surgeon on Tuesday and hopefully the drains will come out. :blushing:

Hi everyone. I'm alive and well. Thanks for checking in on me. The surgery went as planned and I'm recovering nicely. I go for a follow up next week.

Hey kids, I'm up and about finally. I've thanked the 1000's of squats I've done in the last year this week. I've used my legs so much to get around, to sit up, etc. (I'm still fuzzy on the vicodin so if I'm stupid please excuse me.) Josie you'll do really well. promise.

I'm a popcorn eater too. Not a problem.

You should be so proud of yourself. You are very motivated! Good Job!

Hi Eddie Nice to see you back here. I'm still poking around a bit here and there.

Mrs H. I'm so sorry to hear your news. You are so in my thoughts. My news is that I'm up and around. I've come through the surgery okay and I'm feeling better daily. More later as I feel better. Thanks for your kind thoughts.

Hi everyone. Thanks BG for giving the update. The four drains are hard to deal with and the incisions in my underarms are killing me. My stomach is flatish. It's puffy and swollen though...so "tiny??" I don't know. Truely smaller though. And living. Everyday will be better. Lortab is making my head fuzzy. :drool: Thanks for your very kind thoughts. I appreciate it.

Lellow and Jeni I am so greatful you two are going before me on this and easing my anxiety. I hear you about the bill being paid! YIKES! That's a stressor you don't need this week, but I'm happy you have it sorted out. Lellow, I'll be thinking about you Wednesday as I go to sleep, sending you positive healing thoughts. My to do list this week is as long as my arm. I'm hoping by keeping exceptionally busy I'll not think too much about the surgery. You'll be fine with your eating. Think of it as a reassurance that the band is a really good choice for you, if you ever had any doubts. It's a tool that really helps control the food demons. XO